It was the middle of the night when "the ring" went off in 2-1-1, a unique telephone ring that lets everyone in 2-1-1 know the person calling has indicated they are having thoughts of suicide.

Ashley, a 2-1-1 intervention specialist, answered the call and talked with Will, a young man who was battling severe depression. On the surface, everything seemed like things should be going well for him. He was only 20 years old, was attending classes at Hillsborough Community College, and had a steady job in a call center where he sold advertising.  Will said he felt like a failure and was worried about his job.  He tried to talk with his parents, but they were cold and unsympathetic to him. He admitted he felt like he had no hope and said it would be better for everyone if he wasn't "here anymore".

Ashley spent the next 35 minutes talking with Will, all the while asking probing questions and assessing the situation. That night she was able to get Will to a place where he was safe both physically and mentally. She then arranged to have Daniella, a Suicide Prevention Care Coordinator at the Crisis Center, follow up with Will and develop a safety plan.

Daniella left a number of messages for him and a few days later she was able to connect with Will.  In their first conversation he thanked her for her persistence. He said he knew her calls meant someone was looking out for him. He mentioned he needed help because he wanted to move out of his parent's house and didn't know where to go. Daniella asked questions to help Will discover his personal strengths and his potential network of support.  Through this process Will revealed he had an Uncle who had always been compassionate and understanding, and who might allow him to move in.

A few days later, Will moved in with his Uncle and he started to receive treatment for his depression. Daniella continued to stay in touch with him to help him implement his safety plan, which included encouraging him to discover the small things in life, like cooking and exercise, that make him happy.

Today Will continues to live with his Uncle. He feels better about his job, school, and what the future holds. He has a new direction in life that all started when a couple compassionate people at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay took the time to listen and help Will find the support he needed.

Thanks to crisis specialists like Daniella and Ashley, people who are suffering do not have to face their darkest moments alone.   Committed donors who support the Crisis Center through giving circles like the Sustainer Society, Circle of Caring, and Legacy Society ensure that young people like Will find the help they need in their darkest moment.

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